Artificial intelligence seems to be everywhere. Whether we use it at home, on our phones or as a tool for business, AI has rapidly become part of modern life. But behind the convenience lies an environmental footprint that we may not all be aware of. The story is not entirely one-sided, however, as there are positives to consider, too.

The hidden cost

Every time we use an AI tool, whether that’s asking a chatbot a question, generating an image or using a smart assistant, energy is being consumed, and often in large quantities. AI systems are run from vast data centres, which require enormous amounts of electricity to operate, as well as huge volumes of water to keep them cool.

A single conversation with a large AI chatbot can use up to half a litre of water. Multiply that by millions of users every day and the numbers become quite alarming.

The carbon footprint of training a large AI model has been compared to the lifetime emissions of several cars. As AI becomes more sophisticated and more widely used, that footprint continues to grow.

The other side of the story

It would be easy to focus on the negative impact, but AI also has the potential to help rather than harm the environment. Scientists are already using it to accelerate research into renewable energy, predict extreme weather events, monitor real-time deforestation and optimise energy consumption. It can help farmers use water and pesticides more efficiently, reducing waste and environmental impact.

It is not a straightforward story though; it very much depends on how AI is powered and what it is used for. Several major tech companies have made environmental commitments. Microsoft has pledged to become carbon negative and Google to run entirely on carbon-free energy, both by 2030. Whether they will get there remains to be seen, but the direction of travel is at least encouraging.

What can we do?

As everyday users, our individual impact is small but not insignificant. Being more intentional about how we use AI is a good start. For example, considering whether we really need to use it for a particular task, or choosing companies with stronger environmental commitments. Just as we’ve learned to think about food miles and fast fashion, we can consider our digital footprint, too.

AI’s environmental story is still being written. The costs are real, but so is the potential. The choices made by both tech companies and everyday users in the years to come will determine whether it is ultimately a friend or foe.

Sara Chardin is a freelance writer and content creator who specialises in writing thoughtful articles about sustainability, travel and home interiors.